Virgil van Dijk wrote his name in Anfield legend with a fairytale winner in a pulsating Mersey derby on his debut.

The Liverpool defender could not have scripted a better story had he written it himself, as he rose majestically to head home Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's corner six minutes from time to cap an incredible night.

In an FA Cup tie that had everything – including controversy when Roberto Firmino and Mason Holgate almost came to blows after words were exchanged just before half time – it was the Dutchman who had the last word and broke Everton hearts.

His celebration said everything about the joy he experienced after his £75m started in such spectacular fashion and it made him an instant Anfield icon.

And it was the right ending to a game that had threatened to boil over when Holgate and Firmino squared up after the Everton defender had pushed his opponent over an advertising hoarding.

Milner celebrates after scoring (Image: PA)

Sigurdsson levels the scores (Image: Liverpool Echo)

Everton players celebrate (Image: Liverpool Echo)

Holgate clearly thought he had been insulted by the Brazilian, and suggested it had been a racist comment, but in fact he misheard, with Firmino clearly using a Portuguese phrase which basically called him a “crazy mother******”.

The matter seemed to have been settled at half time when Everton's backroom staff cleared up the misunderstanding with their defender, and that set up a wonderful tie, when Gylfi Sigurdsson equalised James Milner's opening penalty.

But perhaps inevitably, it ws van Dijk who stole the show and the glory, as he wrote another incredible chapter in cup and derby history.

Here our reporter David Maddock looks at some of the issues from a fantastic tie.

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1. Night to remember for Van Dijk

An eventful evening for Virgil van Dijk! If ever the desire of Liverpool's fans to see a proper defender was evident, it was before kick off at Anfield last night.

The greeting that met the announcement of his name name spoke volumes about the suffering they have endured with a defence that has suffered so much uncertainty for so long.

Van Dijk celebrates (Image: Liverpool Echo)

The defender certainly showed himself, with a pummelling challenge on Yannick Bolasie, a glorious chance at 1-0 which he headed straight at Jordan Pickford, and then the panic as Bolasie's cavalry charge produced a brilliant Everton leveller.

The Dutchman wasn't at fault, and the fans would still have been happy even before than memorable goal at the end. What a night.

2. Holgate impresses for Blues

Holgate challenges Firmino (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Everton may have a defender in Mason Holgate who could one day go on to build a reputation a little like van Dijk's. His second half display shows he is a quick learner, and also a hugely promising young centre half.

He lost his had completely in his first half altercation with Roberto Firmino – and he got it wrong too, because he clearly misheard what the Brazilian said – but showed the presence and maturity to sort himself out immediately.

That sort of mental strength at a young age is good news for Everton.

3. Rooney loses his cool

Rooney is withdrawn (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Sam Allardyce has his critics and Wayne Rooney may be amongst them after being hauled off at Anfield at such an early stage of the game...but it proved to be a fine decision.

Not only did it remove the risk of a red card for the skipper, but it also introduced Ademola Lookman into the contest and his pace and touch on the ball was a big difference for the Blues in the second half, as his calm ball for Sigurdsson to score showed.

4. Liverpool almost rue missed chances

Pickford denies Firmino (Image: AFP)

Liverpool looked in control, but will almost rued missed chances. Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk should have scored when the score was 1-0 and they had other moments too, with the Reds dominant for long periods without translating that into a more dominant scoreline.

They paid the price for missed chances in the league meeting here, and it seemed to be the case again when Sigurdsson converted to level a pulsating cup tie until van Dijk intervened.

5. FA Cup remains special

Everton fans celebrate (Image: Liverpool Echo)

The game showed precisely how important a competition the FA Cup is.

The commitment of both teams and the desire to win showed it really means something to both, and it also presents the best – and in Everton's case only – chance of a trophy.